San Francisco Bay

The Basics

The area abounds with ways to enjoy the bay. Options range from sunset sails and brunch cruises to helicopter excursions—some tours provide overnight accommodation. Take a ferry to Angel Island State Park, Alcatraz Island, or the pretty town of Tiburon. Or, zip around San Francisco on a Segway, bike, or e-bike, stopping for bay photo ops. If you have time to spare, consider a regional tour to the redwoods, wine country, or Yosemite National Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Many top San Francisco attractions offer views of the bay, including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Exploratorium, and Pier 39.

• Don’t forget to take a jacket—and leave those shorts in your hotel room, even in summer—as it’s often chilly and windy on and near the water.

How to Get There

For the most immersive San Francisco Bay experience, get there by boat (private charter, or public ferry from various locations). The major airports serving the area are San Francisco International and Oakland International. Public transit is generally plentiful, as are taxis and rideshares. If you plan to drive in San Francisco, make sure you’re comfortable navigating steep hills, and be aware that parking can be difficult to find.

When to Get There

Weather on the bay and in San Francisco is temperate year-round, but the warmest, sunniest months are usually September and October. Spring is a good time to beat the summer tourist rush. Expect more tour availability on weekdays.

Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf

For family fun with fabulous bay views, hop on a historic streetcar to Fisherman’s Wharf. Dine on fresh seafood, check out the Aquarium of the Bay, or explore the USSPampanito, a submarine and museum. Numerous bay cruises also depart from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Ways to explore

The San Francisco Bay shapes the character of the California city, and there’s no shortage of ways to explore it during your stay. Options range from sunset sailing tours and brunch cruises to helicopter flights. You can also take a ferry to Angel Island State Park, Alcatraz Island, or the pretty town of Tiburon.

Alternatively, zip around San Francisco on a Segway, bike, or driving tour, stopping for bay photo ops along the way. If you have time to spare, you can even walk across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands and back.

Accessibility

Some tours of the San Francisco Bay are accessible to wheelchair users, including select boat tours.

Age limits

None, though some activities may have age limits.

What to pack

Camera, sun and rain protection, handheld bag or backpack, water and snacks

What to wear

Wear comfortable layers and good walking shoes, and prepare for fog and cooler temperatures than you might expect.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Address 

The San Francisco Bay is vast, and several major cities—including San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose—overlook it. There are a number of ways to access and experience it. For first-time visitors, it’s worth taking a boat tour; most depart from Pier 39, Pier 42, or nearby docks on The Embarcadero.

Driving

Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge is a good way to take in views over the bay. Otherwise, this natural sight is best explored by boat.

Public transportation

Take the F Market & Wharves streetcar to Pier 39. You can also board a ferry or boat tour to see the bay.

Best times to visit

Aim for late morning or early afternoon to beat the early-AM fog that often descends, or take a sunset tour for photogenic views.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day of the week to go, but expect weekend cruises to be more in-demand.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid the summer months, which can be very foggy. Set off in the late winter or spring to go whale-watching, or in the early fall for pleasant weather.

Special events

A range of events are held along the bay throughout the year, including Fourth of July Fireworks and Fleet Week in early October.